Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele.

The France international has less than seven months left to run on his contract which has led to strong interest in his services.

While the Catalan giants are doing everything possible to tie him down to a new deal, the winger can speak to foreign clubs at the beginning of 2022.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle United and Manchester United are among the clubs who may be prepared to edge out the Blaugrana at the negotiating table.

The La Liga outfit are said to have offered the Frenchman a contract worth £9.4m per year to remain at Camp Nou.

Nevertheless, it appears that the North-East outfit, backed by Saudi owners, are willing to pay more money to secure Dembele’s services.